Written by Kimberly McClintock Evans – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner If I had a nickel for every person who laughed or gave me a double take when I said I went on a Disney Cruise for a week without my kids, I could have paid for the trip! But I am not sure why? When you think about it, Disney Parks are unlike other parks. Disney Hotels are unlike other hotels. Disney movies, well they are some of the highest grossing, most entertaining movies of all times. Companies actually hire Disney Executives and the Disney Institute teaches people “how to be more like Disney.” Disney is one of the strongest brands worldwide that is synonymous with cleanliness, excellence and unparalleled service. Why wouldn’t I want that on my vacation? But without the kids? What about all the kids? What did I do for 7 days on a ship full of kids? The first time I took a cruise my kids were tiny…that was the first place since I had kids where: I ate a full meal from beginning to end. I had a full meal even at the temperature it was intended to be served at!! (Not 3 hours later while my kids are in the tub and I am standing over them eating cold meat.) I didn’t have to do anything but eat and enjoy my family. I didn’t even have to cut meat. If someone spilled a drink, there are two people to come and clean it up within seconds. I didn’t even have to pour ketchup. While that can happen in many places there are differences-my...

Written by Kimberly McClintock Evans – Magical Tripcations Travel Planner Did you know Disney has a private Island for guests aboard Disney Cruise Line on certain sailings? If your itinerary has a day at Castaway Cay, (pronounced “key”) here is everything you need to know for a great day off the ship and a few suggestions and surprises you may not know about. Isn’t she a beauty? Make sure to snap a photo of your Disney Cruise Line ship as your disembark on Castaway Cay First a few facts: The island is only for Disney Cruise Line guests. No other ships or cruise lines will dock here. Only those from your cruise will be docking on that day. Some cruise itineraries include a “double dip” Castaway Cay Stop. Contact one of our amazing Disney Travel Planners for more information on different itineraries. Although Disney Cast Members won’t often tell you, there is a sordid history of the island. Disney has a 99-year lease on the Bahamian Island. Castaway Cay was actually named Gorda Cay, had no beaches, and was a drug smuggler stop in the 70s. While you don’t hear much about it, the landing strip is part of a clue. In my head however, I like to believe it was really a Jack Sparrow stop and if I dig long enough and hard enough I will find some treasure or rum smuggled onto the island. A much better story, I think!Sometimes it’s fun to find the approximately 50 – 60 staff members that actually live on the island and ask them a little about Island life. Top things...